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In this study, we employ density functional theory to investigate KXH3 (X = Ca, Sc, Ti, & Ni) hydride perovskites for H2 storage applications. Lattice parameters calculated using GGA-PBE are 4.482 Å, 4.154 Å, 3.974 Å, and 3.686 Å for KCaH3, KScH3, KTiH3, and KNiH3, respectively. Electronic structure analysis shows KScH3, KTiH3, and KNiH3 are metallic, while KCaH3 is a semiconductor. Strong bonding and long bond lengths indicate high hydrogen storage potential. The materials exhibit thermodynamic and mechanical stability, suggesting feasibility for experimental synthesis. Gravimetric analysis reveals promising hydrogen storage capacities: 3.646 wt% (KCaH3), 3.452 wt% (KScH3), 3.346 wt% (KTiH3), and 3.005 wt% (KNiH3). Calculated hydrogen desorption temperatures range from 442.40 K to 614.82 K, indicating suitability for practical hydrogen storage applications. These findings highlight the potential of KXH3 (X = Ca, Sc, Ti, & Ni) perovskites as effective hydrogen storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tempeh was developed using a probiotic culture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus adjunct culture. Purposely, soybean seeds were soaked overnight at room temperature and then boiled at 100°C for 10 to 15 min. The hot beans were then spread out in a thin layer and allowed to cool to room temperature. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture was added to the soybeans, which were then tightly packed in perforated plastic bags and incubated at 30°C for 24 h to produce fresh tempeh. The tempeh was then analyzed for its physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics, and the data obtained was statistically analyzed. The results of the physical and chemical analysis showed that the probiotic tempeh had a slight increase in pH, ash, and protein content, while there was a significant decrease in acidity, moisture, and fat content during storage. The microbial analysis revealed that both the total plate count and probiotic count increased over time, with treatment T4, which contained a high amount of culture, exhibiting the maximum plate count and probiotic count. The sensory evaluation showed that both the treatment and storage duration significantly impacted the aroma, color, taste, and overall acceptability of the tempeh, with all sensory attributes decreasing over time. The sensory panelists rated treatment T4 the highest for overall acceptance. In conclusion, the study suggests that probiotic soybean tempeh could be a beneficial carrier for producing a product with good physicochemical properties, acceptability, high probiotic viability, and storage durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is one of the biggest mango producing country in the world. Post-harvest losses of mango occur due to lack of storage facilities. Mango can be converted into concentrate to utilize it for longer period. In the current study, the physicochemical profile and storage stability of mango concentrate was investigated to evidence the opportunity of preservation method. Three different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5%) of citric acid, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were applied. All chemical preservatives significantly (p ˂ 0.05) increased viscosity, total soluble solids (TS), reducing sugar (RS), non-reducing sugar (NRS), total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA), while the moisture content, pH, DPPH antioxidant activity, TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content) and the level of texture acceptance decreased during the storage. The moisture content was decreased from 43.4% to 34.9% during storage. Phytochemical analysis showed that mango concentrate is a potential source of antioxidant compounds and has higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. Regarding preservation solution, it is suggested that sodium benzoate and citric acid might be utilized for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae is extensively being used to develop eco‐friendly biopolymer or biodegradable films, but have inferior mechanical strength. This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of seaweed films by incorporating Patchouli microparticles (PMP) derived from dried Patchouli plants (DP‐PMP) and extracted residue (ER‐PMP) from Patchouli extraction process widely use in the perfume and cosmetic industry. The PMPs, were incorporated into films forming solution at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% wt/wt) respectively. Despite similar thermal properties, the inclusion of ER‐PMP resulted in an increasing ash residue content with an increase in concentration. The optimal tensile strength was achieved with a 3% PMP loading, while higher concentrations resulted in a decline in strength. Notably, the sample containing 1% PMP demonstrated superior elasticity. Moreover, with increasing concentrations of PMPs, all samples displayed elevated surface roughness and enhanced hydrophobicity. All samples display significant antimicrobial activity against E‐coli and Salmonella sp.; however, the sample incorporating ER‐PMP showed less effect. In summary, the study suggests that DP‐PMP and ER‐PMP can serve as effective fillers to enhance the mechanical properties of seaweed biofilms, with an optimal loading of 3%. Their antimicrobial activity renders them suitable biopolymers for active packaging in food applications and other purposes. Highlights: Patchouli microparticle (PMP) enhance the properties of seaweed film.Film's surface morphology and hydrophobicity changed with increase in PMP.Introduction of either PMPs increase antimicrobial properties of the film.PMP from extracted residue (ER) provide lower antimicrobial activity.3% DP‐PMP gave the optimum properties of the film for overall attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy carrier, but its storage is challenging. In this study, we investigate the potential of NaMTH3 (MT=Sc, Ti, V) hydride perovskite as solid-state hydrogen storage material. Using density functional theory (DFT), we comprehensively analyze their structural, hydrogen storage, phonon, electronic, elastic, and thermodynamic properties. Mechanical stability is assessed through calculation of lattice parameters, bulk and shear moduli, Poisson's ratio, and Young's modulus based on elastic constants. All three hydrides were found to be stable mechanically. Furthermore, the anisotropy factor was also investigated. Results show that the investigated hydrides are brittle and metallic. Their metallic character is due to the significant interplay between phonons and electrons. We also investigated their enthalpy, entropy, free energy, Debye temperatures, and specific heat capacities to investigate thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]